Killings: “Tinubu Government Is Sitting Back and Giving Excuses Instead of Acting” — US Congressman Huizenga

A US lawmaker has sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over what he described as a persistent failure to confront deadly attacks targeting Christian communities in parts of Nigeria. Speaking during a congressional address, Congressman Bill Huizenga said the violence had become “repeated and alarming,” accusing Nigerian authorities of downplaying or excusing the killings instead of taking decisive action.

Huizenga questioned the pattern of attacks, contrasting the recurring assaults on Christians in northern Nigeria with the absence of comparable reprisals in Christian-majority regions. He said his concerns stemmed from years of personal ties to Nigerians and Americans closely familiar with the country’s security challenges.

He warned that efforts to minimise the crisis—both internationally and within the US Congress—had emboldened extremist groups while leaving vulnerable civilians exposed. According to him, dismissive responses from officials had only deepened frustration among communities living under constant threat.

Huizenga also criticised the decision by senior Nigerian officials to travel to Washington in an attempt to, in his view, soften the severity of the situation. He argued that any attempt to provide excuses or dilute the reality of the violence “should be rejected and called out.”

His comments add to mounting international scrutiny over Nigeria’s handling of widespread insecurity and intensify calls for stronger, more transparent actions from the Tinubu administration.

Meanwhile, Congressman Riley M. Moore met with a high-level Nigerian delegation in Washington led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The group included senior defence, foreign affairs, and security officials. According to information released after the meeting, both sides discussed the persecution of Christians, the threat posed by terrorist organisations, and potential areas for deeper security cooperation.

The Nigerian delegation outlined ongoing challenges in counterterrorism efforts and protection of vulnerable communities. Moore emphasised that the United States is prepared to work closely with Nigeria but expects clear steps to address violence carried out by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed militia groups, particularly in the Northeast and Middle Belt.

He said the US remains committed to supporting Nigeria but stressed that Washington expects meaningful action to curb religious persecution and dismantle terrorist networks threatening civilian populations. Moore vowed to continue monitoring developments and pressing for stronger cooperation to end the bloodshed.